Hiking Trail Guide: Short Loop Trail-Joshua Tree National Park

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Short Loop Trail-Joshua Tree National Park

Distance
4 miles

Elevation
800 feet gain

Difficulty
3/10

City
Yucca Valley ,CA (92284) 104.58 miles from you Weather Map

Trailhead
From the 10 Freeway east of Cabazon and west of Palm Springs, exit at the Ca-62 E turnoff (which is signed as the route to Joshua Tree National Park, Twentynine Palms, and Yucca Valley). Travel northeast along CA-62 E (which eventually becomes 29 Palms Highway) past Desert Hot Springs and Big Morongo Canyon to Yucca Valley. Look for the "Black Rock Canyon Campground-5 miles" sign at Joshua Lane-turn right on Joshua Lane, and follow the directions on the signs to the campground. Free parking is available in front of the Ranger Station/Visitor Center located at the campground. The trailhead is located in the northeastern portion of the campground (at the Backcountry Board) just near the main campground entrance.

Description

Fortunately, the Short Loop Trail is well-signed, as a journey along this beautiful, sandy, and steep traverse involves four different trails. The hike begins at the Backcountry Board, which is easily spotted from the main road at the entrance of the Black Rock Canyon Campground, and continues along the Black Rock Canyon Trail until its intersection with the California Riding and Hiking Trail (signed). Continue along the CRHT until reaching the Fault Trail (FT)-travel along the Fault Trail until arriving at the signed junction with the Short Loop Trail (SL)- turn right. The trail is very steep and sandy along this stretch, with magnificent views of spring wildflowers, junipers, and even some lush green ferns (yes, this is the desert!!) after late winter and early spring rainfalls. Follow the signs until reaching the junction with the Black Rock Canyon Trail (the sandy wash), bear right, and return in a generally northwesterly direction towards the Backcountry Board.

Map / Directions: